Beguiled
Paisley SmithHistorical romance
Available from Loose Id
ISBN: 978-1-60737-891-4
November 2010
| With the Civil War, Belle Holloway's life has been ripped apart. Left to try and keep her Georgia plantation standing with only the help of her faithful family retainer has taken a toll on her emotionally. When the Union army leaves two wounded soldiers behind for her to care for, she is annoyed. Belle is truly shocked and amazed to learn that one of the soldiers is actually a woman dressed in male clothing and fighting the war as a man. Alice O'Malley is stubborn, determined, and bold and she also awakens a passionate fire within Belle that she never knew existed. Alice dominates Belle's world creating a new, exciting and yet taboo escape from the harsh realities. But can the relationship survive? Or will the war and society tear them apart?
The very talented author Paisley Smith creates a highly charged, innovative, sensual and complex story that compels readers to believe in the beauty and tenderness of love between two people no matter their gender. The pages are rich with vividly presented history, taut with sexual tension and steaming with a deep passionate desire that can't be denied no matter if the relationship is taboo for the times. Belle and Alice's friendship and love develop at a perfect pace so the reader is treated to all the uncertainties, insecurities and attraction that work to enhance the bond. Alice the brash, compassionate and dominant alpha heroine has been hurt by her feelings in the past so she struggles with not looking into the future with Belle, no matter how much her feelings have grown. The very feminine Belle is strong, passionate and caring but yet sheltered and naive to feelings and attractions she never imagined. These two well-drawn and three-dimensional characters will utterly capture the reader's heart with their struggle to find a life together. The sexual scenes are tender, loving and truly emotional and wonderfully satisfying. Family, friends and Union soldiers make up a supporting cast that enhances the plot as well as the main characters. Beguiled is a story that will stay with the reader long after the final page.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Shannon |
